It was an interesting idea.

He had "knifed" people before--here and there a particular candidate whom it was desirable to undo.

If the Democratic party was in any danger of losing this fall, and if Gilgan was honest in his desire to divide and control, it might not be such a bad thing.

Neither Cowperwood, McKenty, nor Dowling had ever favored him in any particular way.

If they lost through him, and he could still keep himself in power, they would have to make terms with him.